Surging lightweight Arman Tsarukyan takes a jibe at Michael Chandler in fresh call-out

Surging lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan has his sights set on one of the biggest draws in the division in Michael Chandler. The Armenian-Russian believes Chandler doesn't belong in the top tier of the 155-pound division.

In a recent jibe on Twitter, Tsarukyan referred to 'Iron' as a low-IQ fighter and called him out for a fight to defend his spot at the top of the division. The No.8-ranked lightweight tweeted:

"Hey @MikeChandlerMMA it’s time to defend your rankings! Lowest fight IQ in the division against new mma generation. I won’t see you at the top."

Arman Tsurukyan is currently on a tear in the UFC. In his most recent fight, he secured a dominant unanimous decision win over Damir Ismagulov. He is now 4-1 in his last five fights and looks set for a massive year in 2023. Still just 26, Tsarukyan has shown tremendous championship potential so far.

In contrast, Michael Chandler is 2-3 in his last five UFC fights. Although he has delivered some electrifying performances, the American's championship aspirations have suffered due to his all-action style of fighting.

The former Bellator champion has been actively pursuing a 2023 showdown against Conor McGregor. The idea of the duo coaching the next season of The Ultimate Fighter has also been floated around.

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When Michael Chandler stated that he would beat Islam Makhachev

Although Michael Chandler has accrued more losses than wins in the UFC, the former NCAA Division I All-American feels he is a better fighter than lightweight champion Islam Makhachev.

During a press conference for UFC 281 last year, Chandler detailed why he believes he would triumph over the Dagestani, saying that he could easily match Makhachev's wrestling and is a better overall striker:

"I honestly think my wrestling will stop his attacks. I think I can take him down, I think I can match him grappling for grappling and I think in the striking department, I've got more power, I'm faster and I have better hands... There is not a better wrestler on the lightweight roster than me... I think I match up extremely well, I think I beat him."

Catch Michael Chandler's comments below:

Chandler currently doesn't have a fight booked, while Makhachev is slated to take on reigning featherweight champion and pound-for-pound king Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284 in Australia.